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To configure UltraTax CS to file 1040 returns electronically, you first need to set global options in the Setup > Office Configuration > E-Filing tab. The options you set in this tab apply to all clients and include options for Electronic Filing Identification Numbers (EFINs), state electronic files, alternate Electronic Return Originator (ERO) information, Practitioner or Self-Select Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), and bank products (if applicable).

The first time you start UltraTax CS, perform the following steps to enter your EFIN and, if necessary, to designate CS Connect as your electronic filing transmitter or to modify the drive and path where the third-party application looks for the electronic files.

Determine whether you will file all returns using a single EFIN or several EFINs.

Determine the states for which you want UltraTax CS to create electronic files when the application creates the federal files. For information about application procedures for states and for general state electronic filing information, see our State Electronic Filing Guide.

Note: Depending on your security configuration, you might be prompted to enter the master password before you can open the Office Configuration dialog. The master password is specified in Setup > Security.

Click the E-Filing tab.

In the EFIN (Electronic Filing Identification Number) group box, you can select one of the following options.

If you are filing electronic returns using only one EFIN, click the All returns in this office will file using EFIN option and enter the six-digit, IRS-assigned EFIN in the field provided.

If you are using different EFINs, click the Several EFINs are being used option. After you click this option, you must assign EFINs to each preparer in the Preparers tab. To do so, click the Preparers tab, click the Add or Edit button for each preparer, enter the appropriate EFIN in the Preparer EFIN field, and click OK to save the information.

For UltraTax CS to properly assign this EFIN in the electronic file for each client, you must select the appropriate preparer from the Preparer field in the File > Client Properties dialog before you mark the File this return electronically field in Screen ELF.

Click the States button. If you have not received required approval from a state or if you want to suppress the creation of all electronic files for a given state, clear the checkbox next to the applicable state.

Click the ERO button to open the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) dialog. UltraTax CS uses the licensed firm information as the default for the ERO information. To enter alternate information for the ERO rather than use the licensed firm information, click the Use alternate ERO information option in the Electronic Return Originator (ERO) information to Electronic Filing Signature Form group box, and complete all of the fields for the Alternate ERO.

Note: If you are using multiple EFINs, you must enter any alternate ERO information for each EFIN individually.

If you want to have UltraTax CS automatically generate the taxpayer's PIN, mark the Automatically generate taxpayer(s) PIN checkbox. If the taxpayer consents to using a PIN generated by UltraTax CS, you must receive a signed Form 8879, IRS e-file Signature Authorization, from the client prior to transmitting the return or a signed Form 8878, IRS e-file Signature Authorization for Application for Extension of Time To File, from the client prior to transmitting an extension. If the taxpayer does not consent to using the PIN generated by UltraTax CS, a Suppress automatic PIN generation field is available in Screen PIN.

If you want to have UltraTax CS automatically generate the signature date (to use the system date when you enter a PIN in Screen PIN), mark the Automatically generate signature date checkbox.

Click the Other Return Options button to open the Other Return Options dialog. UltraTax CS automatically proformas the File this return electronically checkbox to the current year's return for clients for whom you filed electronic returns last year. If you do not want this checkbox proforma'd, clear the File the return electronically (Screen ELF) checkbox in the Proforma tab of the Other Return Options dialog. You then need to individually mark the File this return electronically checkbox in Screen ELF for each client you want to file electronically.

To automatically mark the File this return electronically checkbox for proforma'd clients on the first time in the client, mark the File the return electronically if not marked for e-file in the prior year (Screen ELF) checkbox in the Other tab.

By default, Form 8453 filing instructions are printed with Form 8453 for document attachments indicated in the fields in the Form 8453 - Paper Document Attachments section of Screen ELF as code 3 (Yes, in taxpayer's possession). This is useful when you send Form 8453 when you request certain documents from your client prior to mailing Form 8453. To print Form 8453 filing instructions for all indicated attachments, mark the List all indicated attachments in Form 8453 Filing Instructions checkbox in the Other tab.

In accordance with the IRS form design, the taxpayer's address is right-justified when the facsimile of Form 9325 is printed. To have the taxpayer's address print left-justified on the facsimile of Form 9325, mark the Print Form 9325 taxpayer mailing address left-justified checkbox in the Other group box in the Return Presentation tab.

Click OK to close the Other Return Options dialog.

Click the New Client Options button to open the New Client Options dialog. Mark the File the return electronically (Screen ELF) checkbox in the Other group box to automatically mark the File this return electronically checkbox in Screen ELF for new clients. If you do not want this checkbox marked automatically, clear the File the return electronically (Screen ELF) checkbox. You then need to individually mark the File this return electronically checkbox in Screen ELF for each client you want to file electronically.

To automatically have PIN forms print for all new clients who electronically file returns prior to completing all applicable PIN fields, mark the Print electronic filing PIN signature forms (Screen PIN) checkbox in the Other group box of the New Client Options dialog.

Click OK to close the New Client Options dialog.

To use bank products for 1040 returns, choose Setup > 1040 individual, click the Bank Products button, and then mark the Use Electronic Refund Disbursement Service box. Enter the applicable fees in the Fees group box, and then click the Validate button to retrieve Refund Advantage or EPS Financial enrollment information.

To have UltraTax CS automatically enter 1 (Return) in the Email notification when electronically filed return is accepted by taxing agency field in Screen ELF for all clients with an email address, choose Setup > Client Communications, click the ELF / eSign Options button, and select "Email address entered" from the drop-down list for the When field in the Automatically mark Email ELF Ack group box.

Click OK to close the ELF / eSign Options dialog, and OK again to close the Client Communications dialog.

The steps to complete your electronic filing configuration vary depending on whether you are using CS Connect or a third-party application vendor to transmit the returns.

If you are using CS Connect, your electronic filing configuration is complete. Click OK to close the System Configuration dialog and begin entering data for the return.